Trump says 'threat' prompted removal of US bombers from RAF Fairford

US President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters outside the White House, confirmed that American bombers were withdrawn from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire due to a security threat rather than by coincidence. Asked whether a specific threat prompted the move, Trump said the aircraft "didn't fly out by accident."

The president explained that rather than risk tempting a potential adversary, the US chose to relocate the aircraft a short distance away to avoid any danger. He added that Washington knows who issued the threat, though he declined to identify them.

Linked to ongoing investigation

RAF Fairford has recently been the focus of a counter-terrorism investigation after police were called on 27 September regarding three suspicious vehicles spotted near the base. Five men were initially arrested on suspicion of terror offences and later released on bail. A sixth man, a UK-Iranian national, was subsequently arrested and also released on bail.

After the first five men were released, Trump criticised the decision, and US officials suggested Iran could have played a role in the incident. British government sources have not disputed that the bomber withdrawal was connected to the base incident.

Speaking earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined to directly tie the incident to the bomber relocation, noting that moving military assets between regions is routine amid exercises and personnel rotations. He said the US retains full confidence in the security of its bases and praised British authorities for their cooperation since the incident occurred.

US Vice President JD Vance said the bombers were moved out of an "abundance of caution," adding that Washington believes Iran continues to engage in acts of terrorism against the US and other nations, as it has for 49 years.